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It's the Mack & Matt show

Eberhardt, Manning lead Groton-Dunstable against undefeated Tyngsboro

By Carmine Frongillo, cfrongillo@lowellsun.com

Updated:
11/20/2012 09:33:45 AM EST

GROTON -- Groton-Dunstable's spread-option offense features a couple of explosive charges -- Mack Eberhardt and Matt Manning -- who are capable of detonating at any time in the game, from any point on the field.

Eberhardt, a junior quarterback, and Manning, a senior running back, have helped ignite a high-scoring attack that's propelled the Crusaders (9-1, 5-0 league) to a share of the top spot with rival Tyngsboro (10-0, 5-0) in the Midland-Wachusett League C Division football standings heading into their annual Turkey Day game.

The league championship will be on the line when Tyngsboro plays at Groton-Dunstable on Thursday at 10 a.m. in what promises to be an exciting holiday clash. No matter which team claims the crown, the Crusaders and Tyngsboro will be participating in the Central Mass. playoffs next week.

Much of Manning's family has ties to Tyngsboro, including his parents, Jack and Martha, so he's not only playing for the Mid-Wach C Div. title, Manning has the added pressure of playing for bragging rights at the Thanksgiving Day dinner table.

"It's a really big game," said Manning. "Thanksgiving is really important to me. My father, uncles and cousins have all played for Tyngsboro. Both of my parents grew up in Tyngsboro. We lost (to Tyngsboro) my freshman year and that wasn't a fun Thanksgiving. I don't want to be upset at the dinner table. Everything tastes better when we win.

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Manning is a three-year varsity performer who has been a difference maker on both sides of the ball for Groton-Dunstable this fall. This hard-working co-captain missed the first four games of the season while recovering from chronic headaches. He's been a force since returning to the lineup.

In six games this season, Manning has rushed for 610 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, while making 68 tackles from his middle linebacker post. Manning rushed for 1,069 yards, scored 102 total points, made 90 tackles and recovered three fumbles as a junior.

"It's been a really exciting season," said Manning, whose brother, Jake, is a former G-D standout and current volunteer assistant coach. "A lot of kids have stepped up for us this year. I enjoy playing both sides of the ball. But defense has been my passion since I was young. I like hitting people."

Manning has been a smash hit on offense, relying on a combination of power and speed to churn out yards running and catching the football.

"Matt is a power back, but he's also developed over time some elusiveness," said Groton-Dunstable coach Derek Asadoorian. "He has good vision and we use him in both capacities as a power back, and as a kid we try to get in the open. He's not the fastest kid, but he is fast enough to do what we ask him to do on offense.

"I think he's more natural on defense. He has a great nose for the ball and works tremendously hard during the season and in the off-season to make himself better on both sides of the football."

The emergence of Eberhardt as a dual-threat force at quarterback has given the Crusader offense an added dimension. Eberhardt played a back-up role as a sophomore, throwing two TD passes and rushing for a score last season. Last year's starting quarterback, Ryan Vultaggio, was scheduled to return but decided to transfer to a private school. Once the starting quarterback job opened up, Eberhardt worked extra hard make sure he was ready to play from Day 1 of training camp.

In his first season as the man in charge of the Crusader offense, Eberhardt has passed for 942 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 968 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Groton-Dunstable has never had a player rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 1,000 yards in a single season.

"It's been a fun season," said Eberhardt. "It was a little bit nerve-racking heading into the season, but I worked hard in the off-season to be ready. I believe in myself. I knew I could do it. The team has really been supportive of me.

"It definitely helps to have a guy like Matt in the backfield. He's always making plays for me. Our entire team has played so well around me."

Eberhardt has spread the ball around, hooking up with several players on touchdown passes.

"Mack had huge shoes to fill," said Asadoorian. "Everybody had concerns that we were losing so many guys, in particular our quarterback. He knew the door was open and worked his tail off in the off-season and summer to prepare himself for the role.

"He has exceeded expectations with his play. It's not that we didn't think he could do it, but there was lot on his shoulders and he's had a great season. His dual-threat ability has enhanced our offense. He's stepped up for us in big situations. He has a tremendous arm and he's a smart kid. I only see him getting better from here."

Although Groton-Dunstable is headed to the postseason, Eberhardt and the Crusaders are focused on Tyngsboro this week.

"I'm looking forward to the game," said Eberhardt. "It's Thanksgiving and we're playing for a championship."

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